- Scottish Fold Size: Medium to large, up to 35cm shoulder height
- Classification: short-haired cat
- Color: Multicolored
- Character: Very sociable and greedy, as well as calm. Also curious and affectionate.
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Scales: 5 kg (female cat), 6 kg (male cat)
- Origin: Scotland
Scottish Fold origin and history
This cat breed, which was recognized as a new breed in the USA in 1994, goes back to a female cat named Susie. She was born in 1961 and her offspring were then mated with British Shorthair cats. These passed on the so-called folded ear gene . It should be noted that these kittens are not born with folded ears, but
only fold them in at 3 weeks . The final folding is only achieved at around six weeks.
General appearance
The most striking feature of the Scottish Fold, also known as the Scottish Fold cat, is its folded ears . The kittens are initially born with normal ears. After about three to four weeks, the ears then fold forward. The degree of folding can be measured from the sixth week onwards.
Genetic defect ensures “sweet” appearance
The cause of this anomaly is an incurable hereditary disease, osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) . This affects the cartilage and bones . Because the defective cartilage tissue cannot bear the weight of the ears, they tip forward.
With its round face, broad nose and large, round eyes , the Scottish Fold resembles a doll . The folded ears reinforce the babyish look even more. It is therefore no wonder that cats of this breed are considered extremely cute and are often used for advertising purposes.
Body type and coat colors of the Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat breed with a stocky body and sturdy legs. Its tail is medium to long, but should always be in proportion to the body and taper at the end.
Furthermore, the coat of the Scottish Fold is dense, fluffy and even . It is medium length, although there is also a variant with a slightly longer coat, the Highland Fold .
A female cat weighs 5 kilograms ; a male cat weighs 6 kilograms .
Character: Are Scottish Fold cats cuddly?
The Scottish Fold is a cat with a very calm temperament that rarely meows . It is considered cuddly, intelligent and friendly .
She is said to be able to accurately register the mood of “her” humans and respond to it – either by inviting them to play or by coming for a cuddle.
Noise, hustle and bustle and action are quickly too much for the Scottish Fold. Older animals in particular do not like to move . The lack of activity is not due to a phlegmatic temperament, but rather to the fact that members of this cat breed often have pain throughout the body .
Health: Why is the Scottish Fold considered a cruel breed?
The Scottish Fold owes its typical folded ears to osteochondrodysplasia, or OCD for short . This is an incurable hereditary disease that affects cartilage and bones .
Symptoms of the genetic defect
The deformed and misshapen ears are just a sign of what is happening throughout the Scottish Fold’s body.
The incurable hereditary disease can lead to the destruction of the body’s own cartilage tissue . Cartilage covers the bones at all joints to reduce friction during movement. If the cartilage is damaged, this can lead to very painful joint changes and lameness , especially in the legs and spine .
The symptoms are not so obvious at first when the kitten is still young. Young Scottish Folds usually move less than healthy cats and avoid high jumps. Over time, animals can also react aggressively due to the pain they feel when touched, for example when being stroked.
OCD can also lead to joint swelling , deformed and thickened limbs , altered posture and altered gait with restricted movement.
Are all Scottish Folds affected by the hereditary disease OCD?
Every Folded Eared Cat carries the gene for OCD. The disease OCD has been intensively researched since the 1960s. The gene location (point mutation gene TRPV4) and the inheritance pattern (autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity) are known.
The hereditary disease OCD affects not only homozygous cats (both parents have folded ears), but also heterozygous Scottish Fold cats (only one parent has folded ears). In heterozygous cats, the symptoms may appear later and the degree of severity may vary.
Ignorant and unscrupulous breeders often claim that Scottish Fold crossbreeds, for example with the British Shorthair, would not have these problems. However, this has been sufficiently refuted by scientific literature, genetic testing and case analyses.
Consequences of the hereditary disease OCD
In order to give the Scottish Fold a tolerable life, pain therapy and frequent visits to the vet are often necessary . Some cats have to be put down at the age of two because the pain and limitations on their lives simply become too great.
Osteoarthritis and communication problems
Often, congenital defects are accompanied by osteoarthritis Running and jumping becomes torture under these circumstances. No wonder that the animals avoid any unnecessary movement and sometimes react aggressively when they are touched.
In addition, the ears are an important means of communicationamong cats. With its bent ears, the Scottish Fold can only communicate with its conspecifics to a limited extent.
How long do Scottish Fold cats live?
If kept in a species-appropriate manner and provided with good medical care, Scottish Fold cats can reach a very old age. They can live to an average age of twelve to fifteen years .
